Mains Focus – 6th May 2026

Q. Examine the role of climate-resilient agriculture in ensuring food security in India. What are the major challenges in its adoption, and suggest measures to promote it.

(GS -3, 15 Marks, 250–300 Words)

Answer:

Climate change poses a serious threat to India’s agricultural sector through erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and frequent extreme weather events. In this context, climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) aims to enhance productivity while ensuring sustainability and adaptability to changing climatic conditions, thereby strengthening food security.

Role of Climate-Resilient Agriculture:

CRA contributes significantly to long-term agricultural sustainability and food security.

• Risk Mitigation: Adoption of drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crop varieties reduces vulnerability to climate shocks.
• Sustainable Resource Use: Practices like conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and efficient irrigation enhance soil health and water use efficiency.
• Stability in Production: Diversification of crops and integrated farming systems ensure stable yields despite climatic variability.
• Carbon Sequestration: Techniques such as organic farming and reduced tillage help mitigate climate change by storing carbon in soils.
• Livelihood Security: CRA enhances farmers’ resilience, ensuring income stability and reducing distress.

Challenges in Adoption:

• Low Awareness: Many farmers lack knowledge about climate-resilient practices.
• Financial Constraints: High initial costs of technology and inputs deter small and marginal farmers.
• Institutional Gaps: Weak extension services limit dissemination of best practices.
• Technology Access: Limited access to climate-resilient seeds and digital advisory tools.
• Policy Fragmentation: Lack of convergence among agriculture, water, and climate policies.

Measures to Promote CRA:

• Strengthening Extension Services: Enhance farmer training and awareness programmes.
• Financial Support: Provide subsidies, credit, and insurance for climate-resilient technologies.
• Research and Innovation: Invest in development of region-specific resilient crop varieties.
• Policy Integration: Ensure convergence of climate and agricultural policies.
• Use of Technology: Promote digital platforms for weather advisories and farm management.

Conclusion:

Climate-resilient agriculture is essential for securing India’s food systems in the face of climate change. A coordinated approach involving technology, policy support, and farmer participation is crucial to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural growth.

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